Is there any value in playing really fast (LIVE) like making your decisions instantly and only slowing down when raised. Does it throw opponents off their game or intimidate them making them do more mistakes while you are maintaining an edge?
I've thought about this sometimes: the benefit of acting quickly vs taking your time. In some spots, like checking to an opponent, I think there can be very real benefits of acting quickly. For example, if you check immediately on the river, you might get some extra knowledge from your opponent based on his reaction to your quick check, or how long he takes to bet. If you waited a long time to check, there would be less meaning in your opponent's bet-timing because he's had time to think about what to do while you think.
For betting, I'm not so sure. I mean, if you are comfortable acting that quickly, I'd say it probably has similar benefits, but there is usually so much value to thinking things through for a few seconds. And you have to be cognizant of being very balanced or risk having an imbalance that someone might pick up on.
I played in a 40$ local tourney with a guy I know plays much higher and it sure was intimidating. He was leading the whole table by making fast decisions along with being talkative. I do believe it might make less skilled people make more mistakes as he almost controls the flow. But on the other note some players started adjusting after a while
I feel like people give you more action. I also think it's more profitable than playing slow. I am a fast player because I can make decisions fast and don't need the time. It can also throw people off and make them play faster. It also takes the spotlight off of you which then you just wait for your opponent.
Is there any value in playing really fast (LIVE) like making your decisions instantly and only slowing down when raised. Does it throw opponents off their game or intimidate them making them do more mistakes while you are maintaining an edge?
Against bad older players I have noticed it can be good to call really fast on flops and turns with good hands. Against good players there's no reason not to take your time though and they will figure out what you're trying to do anyway.
I will sometimes make a really fast all-in move on someone who raises with what I think is less than optimal holdings and play the board.
Almost every time, the very fast move shows confidence and strength, and unless they have the nuts and was betting for value, you'll represent the nuts and force them to fold.
Works VERY well in tournaments, and against tight players.
Make sure to do this occasionally with the nuts also, so when you get called by a skeptic, you crush him and prove to the table that you aren't playing.
Mix it up, and throw in some slow play all-ins or raises as well, and keep them guessing.
As with a lot of Zach's analysis I think it depends on the situation.
1) I think 'first to act' players who lead very quickly on Turn or (especially) River tend to be weaker. Whether it be a scare card or blank most players take a second or two to determine if the card improved the board and bet size for max value. Now certainly in ABC 1/2 games it can be the nuts when someone can't wait to bet their hand and scare off all their value.
2) Players who act quickly after a player has tanked a bit create a whole new spot IMO. I think it could be both weak and strong but in both cases they want to put the pressure immediately back on the other player ... probably wanting a fold most of the time.
3) Haven't heard much from Robert Salaburu the last few years, but he made a real 'splash' at the 2012 WSOP ME by using sloppy quick bets to apply extra pressure on his way to a November 9 appearance. The pretense being "Why is it so hard for you to make up your mind. It was a no brainer for me!"
4) Although I think unknowingly varying your pace can be a tell I think you should take the appropriate amount of time for the situation. Taking an excess amount of time for all decisions can lead to you becoming a target and be counterproductive to 'masking' the depths of your decisions.
5) I think, regardless of the spot, quick acting players generally think they are showing strength in their actions ... it's just up to you to decide if that strength makes sense or not.
6) In my 'best' worst call ever (Jack-Ten high missed straight draw) it was against a quick acting player who I put on a T7 or 67 missed straight draw. I could've had a "9-high like a boss" moment as well when my missed straight was good against a 4-6 missed straight. An Ace hit the River in both hands and the player was super fast in betting when action was on them.
Acting fast alone isn't enough, but acting fast combined with an opponent's range and board texture can lead you down the right path quite often IMO. GL
''I feel that players should try to consistently stay within a time for any decision when in a serious game.''> yes like tom dwan
used to think like this now not so much
think that online fast-playing leads to auto-piloting, tilt, giving out timing tells and to finally loose $$$
if u mass multi-table and go to the casino i think all your decisions are gonna be pretty fast at least in your mind then you can pretend to be thinking.
i used to play with sunglasses and one time i didn't know it was my turn. Everyone at the table thought i was tanking LOL!
